Terry Bullen: The Incredible Survival Story (87-Second Hold-Down)

Big wave surfing is not for the faint of heart. It demands courage, physical strength, and an unshakable respect for the ocean’s raw power. Few stories capture this better than that of Terry Bullen, an Australian big wave surfer who cheated death in one of the most terrifying wipeouts ever recorded. His survival against all odds has become a legendary tale in the surfing world and a powerful lesson in resilience.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into who Terry Bullen is, what happened on that fateful day at “The Right,” how he survived an 87-second hold-down, and the incredible life lessons we can all learn from his journey.

Who Is Terry Bullen?

Terry Bullen is a professional big wave surfer and coach from Margaret River, Western Australia. Known for his fearless approach to massive swells, Bullen spent years chasing some of the planet’s most dangerous waves, including the infamous break called “The Right,” located off the coast of Western Australia. Unlike many surfers who avoid such treacherous spots, Bullen saw them as the ultimate test of skill and nerve.

Before the incident that made headlines worldwide, Bullen was already a respected figure in the surfing community. He worked as a surf coach, mentoring young athletes and sharing his deep knowledge of ocean dynamics. But on June 2, 2010, his life changed forever.

The Fateful Day at “The Right”

“The Right” is a remote big wave break known for its thick, heavy barrels and shallow reef. When the swell is right, waves can reach up to 30 feet or more, breaking with tremendous force over a razor-sharp limestone reef. It’s a wave that only a handful of surfers dare to ride.

On that winter morning, conditions were pumping. Bullen and a few other experienced surfers paddled out, excited by the perfect lines rolling in. The sun was out, the wind was light, and everything seemed ideal for a memorable session. But within minutes, paradise turned into a nightmare.

The 87-Second Hold-Down

Terry Bullen dropped into a massive wave, but as he bottom-turned, the lip crashed down directly on top of him with unimaginable force. He was driven deep underwater, his body rag-dolled by the turbulence. His leash—the cord attaching him to his board—became wrapped around a submerged reef ledge, pinning him in place.

What followed is every surfer’s worst nightmare: a 87-second hold-down. To put that in perspective, most big wave hold-downs last between 10 and 20 seconds. Losing consciousness typically occurs after 60 seconds without air. For nearly a minute and a half, Terry Bullen was trapped underwater, unable to move, his lungs burning and his mind racing against time.

In interviews later, Bullen recalled thinking he was going to die. He saw the surface above him, but the leash held him firmly. With his last reserves of strength, he managed to reach down, unstrap the leash from his ankle, and kick desperately toward the light. He surfaced gasping, barely conscious, and was immediately pulled onto a rescue sled.

Rescue and Miraculous Recovery

Bullen had suffered catastrophic injuries: three broken vertebrae in his lower back, a collapsed lung, severe internal bruising, and deep lacerations from the reef. He was airlifted to a hospital in Perth, where doctors told him he was lucky to be alive. The broken back required spinal fusion surgery, and his lung took weeks to reinflate fully.

For months, Bullen couldn’t walk. Simple tasks like sitting up or coughing sent shockwaves of pain through his body. But he refused to give in. Through intense physical therapy, sheer determination, and the support of his family, he slowly rebuilt his body. Remarkably, just over a year later, Terry Bullen returned to the ocean—and even paddled back out at “The Right.”

Life After the Wipeout: Becoming a Motivational Speaker

The experience transformed Bullen. He realized that his story could inspire others facing their own personal “hold-downs”—whether in business, health, or relationships. He retired from professional big wave surfing and became a full-time motivational speaker and resilience coach.

Today, Terry Bullen travels across Australia and internationally, sharing his message of overcoming adversity. He teaches that fear is natural, but giving up is a choice. His talks focus on practical strategies for staying calm under pressure, breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable steps, and finding the strength to keep going when all hope seems lost.

He also works as a surf coach again, but now with a deeper appreciation for safety and mental preparation. He advocates for better training, proper equipment, and the buddy system in big wave surfing.

Key Lessons from Terry Bullen’s Survival

What can we learn from Terry Bullen’s story? Here are three powerful takeaways:

1. Stay Calm in Crisis

Underwater, panic would have consumed his remaining oxygen. By slowing his heart rate and focusing on one solution (freeing his leash), he bought precious seconds.

2. Break Down the Impossible

An 87-second hold-down feels like an eternity. But Bullen didn’t think about the full time—he focused on the next breath, the next move. In any crisis, focus on what you can control right now.

3. Resilience Is a Skill, Not a Trait

Bullen rebuilt his life step by step. He didn’t wake up one day miraculously healed. He showed up every day to physical therapy, to small victories. Resilience is built through repeated action.

Conclusion

Terry Bullen’s story is more than a surfing anecdote—it’s a masterclass in human endurance. From the depths of a 87-second hold-down to the heights of inspiring thousands, he proves that our darkest moments can become our greatest catalysts for growth.

Whether you’re a surfer, an entrepreneur, or someone facing a personal challenge, remember Terry Bullen’s words: “You are stronger than you think. Breathe, think, and never let go of the fight.”

If this article inspired you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder of their own strength. And if you’d like to learn more about big wave survival or resilience training, leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for more stories of extraordinary human spirit.

FAQS:

1. Who is Terry Bullen?

Australian big wave surfer, coach, and motivational speaker from Margaret River.

2. What is Terry Bullen famous for?

Surviving an 87-second hold-down at the big wave break “The Right.”

3. How long was his hold-down?

87 seconds – far longer than the typical 10–20 seconds.

4. What caused the hold-down?

His leash wrapped around a submerged reef ledge, trapping him underwater.

5. Did Terry Bullen almost die?

Yes, he thought he would die and lost consciousness briefly after surfacing.

6. What injuries did he suffer?

Three broken vertebrae, collapsed lung, internal bruising, and deep reef cuts.

7. How did he escape?

He reached down, unstrapped his leash, and kicked to the surface.

8. Did he surf again?

Yes, he returned to the ocean and even paddled back out at “The Right.”

9. What does he do now?

He’s a motivational speaker and resilience coach, sharing his survival story.

10. What is his key message?

Stay calm under pressure, break down problems, and never give up the fight

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